Programs

Mission and Goals

The mission of the School of Engineering is to educate students, from a diverse and
multicultural population, to become productive members of the engineering profession and
society at large. The following four educational objectives stem from this mission: (1)
graduates from the engineering programs will have the analytical and technical abilities
necessary to work in the profession of engineering; (2) graduates from the engineering
programs will be prepared for their field of specialty and will be informed of recent
technical advances in their field; (3) graduates from the engineering programs will be
cognizant of societal issues and their role as future professional engineers working for
the general benefit of society; (4) the School of Engineering will provide a culture that
supports students in their academic and professional development, and will continue
development of existing and new programs.

Program Scope

The School of Engineering offers three Bachelor of Science programs in Civil,
Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. A Minor in Engineering is also available.
Descriptions of the three major programs and minor program follow this general
introduction.

Civil engineering is concerned with the building of civil and environmental facilities,
which are essential for the commerce of our society. Civil engineers design and construct
bridges, wastewater treatment plants, water supply facilities, hazardous waste facilities,
and transportation systems. The program at San Francisco State University provides a broad
and practical education which prepares students for civil engineering employment and (for
those who qualify) for graduate studies.

Electrical engineering is the profession that deals with the processing of information
and energy in electrical and magnetic forms. It is the branch of engineering that covers
the many diverse electrical, electronic, and magnetic devices and systems from conceptual
design through manufacturing to applications in the field. Graduates with a B.S. in
Electrical Engineering have a number of options available to them. They may engage in the
analysis, modelling, simulation, design, testing, manufacturing, or field services of
electrical, electronic, or magnetic equipment. Persons interested in research,
development, or college-level teaching may return to universities for advanced degrees in
a specified area of electrical engineering.

Mechanical engineering is the field responsible for the design of machines and devices
used throughout society. Industries involved in the generation of electricity; in
petroleum production; and in the design and manufacture of aircraft, automobiles, consumer
and industrial products typically employ large numbers of mechanical engineers. Mechanical
engineers are also employed by companies involved in automated manufacturing as well as
robotics and control. The program at San Francisco State University prepares the student
to enter into professional employment directly after graduation in addition to providing
the needed foundation for graduate study.

Recognizing the value to certain students majoring in science for broadening their
education to include applications of their backgrounds in science to real-world physical
systems, the Minor in Engineering is offered. This minor is not intended for the general
student but does not specifically exclude such persons if they have the necessary
prerequisites.

The master's program includes three primary curricular areas of specialization in
civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering from which the student may choose his/her
program of study upon advisement. The objectives of the program are to provide students
with advanced engineering education necessary for solving complex problems in engineering
practice and to provide opportunities for updating and upgrading the skills of practicing
engineers. These objectives are accomplished by a flexible program to meet individual
student needs.

Career Outlook

Graduates with a B.S. in Civil Engineering may engage in the design and construction of
buildings, bridges, roads, dams, water supply facilities, and environmental facilities for
treating wastewater and hazardous wastes. Civil engineers find employment with industrial
firms, government agencies, utilities, and public works departments, as well as
engineering firms which consult for these enterprises. After gaining practical experience,
some civil engineers form their own consulting firms.

Graduates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering may engage in the analysis, modelling,
simulation, design, testing, manufacturing, or field services of electrical, electronic,
or magnetic equipment. They may also engage in the operation and maintenance of facilities
for electrical power generation or telecommunication. High technology companies, in the
fields of electronic and computer manufacturing as well as utilities in power generation
and communications employ electrical engineers.

Graduates with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering may immediately engage in the design,
analysis, testing, production, and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems. Most
industries such as aerospace, automotive, chemical, power generation, agriculture, food
processing, textile, and mining employ mechanical engineers.

Engineers interested in research, development, or college level teaching return to
college for an M.S. or Ph.D. in their specified field. Engineers interested in management
and business aspects may return to college for a Master of Business Administration.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN ENGINEERING

Freshman applicants should complete four years of mathematics, one year of chemistry,
and one year of physics in high school. Students are also encouraged to include courses in
mechanical drawing and computer programming.

Community college transfers should complete the sequence of mathematics, chemistry,
physics, and engineering courses listed in freshman and sophomore years under the
"sample sequence of courses," if available at the community college.

The Bachelor of Science in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering requires 132
semester units. Major requirements including mathematics, chemistry, and physics
prerequisites are 99 units, 51 of these units are at the lower division and 48 units at
the upper division. The remaining 33 units satisfy the balance of the university
requirements including communication skills and general education in humanities and social
sciences. Students are advised that all courses which are to be counted toward completion
of an engineering degree must be taken for a letter grade; the CR/NC option may not be
used in this context.

Recognizing the need of the professional engineer to participate in facets of problem
solving that extend beyond technical and economic considerations, the General Education
requirement for engineering students includes 33 units in courses other than mathematics,
natural sciences, and business. Students have the option of following either the university
General Education program or the School of Engineering General Education program. The School
of Engineering G.E. program permits a student to use courses required for the engineering
majors to satisfy some of the G.E. requirements, so that the total number of units outside of
major requirements is reduced.
Students should inquire at the School of Engineering office about the approved General
Education requirements for engineering majors.

Courses are scheduled during the day as well as in the late afternoon and evening.
Other information and assistance in selecting courses can be obtained from a major adviser
in the School of Engineering or by calling 415/338-1174 or by writing: School of
Engineering, San Francisco State University, Science Building, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San
Francisco, CA 94132.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

The curriculum provides a broad-based common core of engineering science and the
essential civil engineering subjects. The students conclude with eleven units of
electives where primary emphasis is placed on design, practical applications, and computer
solutions in selected areas of civil engineering.

At least fifteen units of 400-level courses and engineering electives must be completed
at SFSU, except with prior approval from an adviser and the head of the Civil Engineering
program. Upper-division courses in the major must be completed within ten years of
graduation.

The number of units required for graduation and the General Education requirements are
described elsewhere.

Sample Sequence of Courses

Units

First Semester

CHEM 111

General Chemistry I

5

MATH 226

Calculus I

4

ENGR 101

Graphics and Design

2

ENG 114

First Year Written Composition

3

United States History or Government course

3

Total

17

Second Semester

MATH 227

Calculus II

4

PHYS 220/222

General Physics with Calculus I and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 103

Introduction to Computers

1

G.E. Elective

3

Oral Communication

3

Total

15

Third Semester

MATH 228

Calculus III

4

PHYS 230/232

General Physics with Calculus II and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 102

Statics

3

ENGR 200

Materials of Engineering

3

ENG 214

Second Year Written Composition

3

Total

17

Fourth Semester

MATH 245

Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra

3

PHYS 240/242

General Physics with Calculus III and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 201

Dynamics

3

ENGR 205

Electronic Networks

3

ENGR 206

Electronic Circuits and Instrumentation

1

Lower Division Core Elective

3

Total

17

Fifth Semester

ENGR 300

Engineering Experimentation

3

ENGR 303

Engineering Thermodynamics

3

ENGR 309

Mechanics of Solids

3

ENGR 335

Surveying and Highway Design

3

G.E. Electives

6

Total

18

Sixth Semester

ENGR 302

Experimental Analysis

1

ENGR 304

Mechanics of Fluids

3

ENGR 323

Structural Analysis

3

Two courses selected from the following:

6

ENGR 429

Topics in Construction Management

ENGR 430

Soil Mechanics

ENGR 439

Sanitary and Environmental Engineering

G.E. Elective

3

Total

16

Seventh Semester

ENGR 308

Computer Methods in Engineering

3

ENGR 696

Engineering Design Project

1

Engineering Electives

6

Technical Elective

3

G.E. Elective

3

Total

16

Eighth Semester

One course selected from the following:

3

ENGR 429

Topics in Construction Management

ENGR 430

Soil Mechanics

ENGR 434

Principles of Environmental Engineering

ENGR 697

Engineering Design Project

2

Engineering Electives

5

G.E. Electives

6

Total

16

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational
objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are
met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is
given in the Advising Guide . A study plan of intended upper division electives must be
approved by the student's adviser and the program coordinator of Civil Engineering prior
to the seventh semester of the engineering program.

A total of fourteen units from the following list of courses is required, subject to
the minimum number of units specified for each group.

Engineering Electives (11 units)

ENGR 425

Reinforced Concrete Structures

ENGR 426

Steel Structures

ENGR 428

Applied Stress Analysis

ENGR 429

Topics in Construction Engineering

ENGR 431

Foundation Engineering

ENGR 432

Finite Element Methods

ENGR 461

Mechanical and Structural Vibrations

ENGR 468

Applied Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics

ENGR 698

Engineering Seminar (1-3)

ENGR 699

Special Study in Engineering (1-3)

Selected graduate course upon approval

Technical Electives (3 units)

GEOL 430

Structural Geology (4)

GEOL 474

Engineering Geology and Hydrology

GEOL 476

Soils Geology

GEOL 485

Geophysics

MATH 340

Introduction to Probability

CHEM 380

Chemistry Behind Environmental Pollution

BA 601

Applications of Operations Research

Core Elective

The Lower Division Core Elective must be chosen from one of
the following courses.

CHEM 113

General Chemistry II

MATH 250

Probability and Statistics

CSC 210

Introduction to Computer Programming

GEOL 110

Physical Geology

BIOL 210

General Microbiology and Public Health

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

The required upper division courses provide a broad and basic understanding of the main
fields in electrical engineering. Upon advisement, each student may choose an area of
specialization in the senior year in communications, computers, electronics, control/robotics,
or power engineering.

Sample Sequence of Courses

Units

First Semester

CHEM 111

General Chemistry I

5

MATH 226

Calculus I

4

ENGR 101

Graphics and Design

2

ENG 114

First Year Written Composition

3

United States History or Government course

3

Total

17

Second Semester

MATH 227

Calculus II

4

PHYS 220/222

General Physics with Calculus I and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 103

Introduction to Computers

1

G.E. Elective

3

Oral Communication

3

Total

15

Third Semester

MATH 228

Calculus III

4

PHYS 230/232

General Physics with Calculus II and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 102

Statics

3

ENGR 200

Materials of Engineering

3

ENG 214

Second Year Written Composition

3

Total

17

Fourth Semester

MATH 245

Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra

3

PHYS 240/242

General Physics with Calculus III and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 205

Electric Circuits

3

ENGR 206

Circuits and Instrumentation

1

G.E. Elective

6

Total

17

Fifth Semester

ENGR 300

Engineering Experimentation

3

ENGR 303

Engineering Thermodynamics or

3

ENGR 201

Dynamics

ENGR 305

Systems Analysis

3

ENGR 350

Engineering Electromagnetics

3

ENGR 356

Computer Architecture

3

Core Elective

3

Total

18

Sixth Semester

ENGR 301

Electrical Measurements

1

ENGR 306

Electromechanical Systems

3

ENGR 308

Computer Methods in Engineering

3

ENGR 353

Electronics

3

G.E. Electives

6

Total

16

Seventh Semester

ENGR 449

Communication Systems

3

ENGR 478

Design with Microprocessors

4

ENGR 696

Engineering Design Project I

1

Engineering Electives

5

G.E. Elective

3

Total

16

Eighth Semester

ENGR 697

Engineering Design Project II

2

Engineering Electives

8

Technical Elective

3

G.E. Electives

3

Total

16

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational
objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are
met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is
given in the Advising Guide . A study plan of intended upper-division electives must be
approved by the student's adviser and the program coordinator for Electrical Engineering
prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program and must include at least two
senior-level laboratories. At least fifteen of the 400-level engineering units must be
completed at SFSU. Upper division courses must have been taken within five years of
graduation.

A total of sixteen units from the following list of courses is required, subject to the
minimum number of units specified for each group.

Engineering Electives (13 units)

ENGR 378

Digital Systems Design

ENGR 410

Instrumentation and Process Control

ENGR 411

Instrumentation and Process Control Laboratory (1)

ENGR 415

Mechatronics

ENGR 416

Mechatronics Laboratory (1)

ENGR 442

Operational Amplifier Network Design

ENGR 445

Analog Integrated Circuit Design (4)

ENGR 446

Digital Control Systems

ENGR 447

Control Theory

ENGR 448

Electrical Power Systems

ENGR 450

Electromagnetic Waves

ENGR 451

Digital Signal Processing

ENGR 452

Communications Laboratory (1)

ENGR 453

Digital Integrated Circuit Design (4)

ENGR 455

Power Electronics (4)

ENGR 456

Computer Systems

ENGR 458

Industrial and Commercial Power Systems

ENGR 459

Power Engineering Laboratory (1)

ENGR 476

Computer Communication and Networks

ENGR 698

Engineering Seminar (1-3)

ENGR 699

Special Study in Engineering (1-3)

Technical Electives (3 units)

CSC 410

Data Structures

CSC 415

Operating System Principles

CSC 610

Sorting and Searching

CSC 630

Computer Graphics Systems Design

MATH 341

Probability Theory

MATH 342

Mathematical Statistics

PHYS 450

Introduction to Solid State Physics

ENGR 610

Engineering Cost Analysis

BA 601

Applications of Operations Research

Core Elective (3 units, required)

CSC 210

Introduction to Computer Programming

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The required courses provide a thorough grounding in the essentials of Mechanical
Engineering. Elective courses taken as part of one of the areas of emphasis allow for
specialization. The areas of emphasis currently offered are Mechanical Design,
Thermal-Fluids Systems, and Robotics and Control.

Thirty (30) units must be earned in residence at SFSU. Twenty-four (24) of these units
must be upper division courses and twelve (12) of these upper division units must be in
the major.

Sample Sequence of Courses

Units

First Semester

CHEM 111

General Chemistry I

5

MATH 226

Calculus I

4

ENGR 101

Graphics and Design

2

ENG 114

First Year Written Composition

3

United States History or Government course

3

Total

17

Second Semester

MATH 227

Calculus II

4

PHYS 220/222

General Physics with Calculus I and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 103

Introduction to Computers

1

G.E. Elective

3

Oral Communication

3

Total

15

Third Semester

MATH 228

Calculus III

4

PHYS 230/232

General Physics with Calculus II and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 102

Statics

3

ENGR 200

Materials of Engineering

3

ENG 214

Second Year Written Composition

3

Total

17

Fourth Semester

MATH 245

Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra

3

PHYS 240/242

General Physics with Calculus III and Laboratory (3/1)

4

ENGR 201

Dynamics

3

ENGR 205

Electronic Networks

3

ENGR 206

Electronic Circuits and Instrumentation

1

Core Elective

3

Total

17

Fifth Semester

ENGR 300

Engineering Experimentation

3

ENGR 303

Engineering Thermodynamics

3

ENGR 305

Systems Analysis

3

ENGR 309

Mechanics of Solids

3

G.E. Electives

6

Total

18

Sixth Semester

ENGR 302

Experimental Analysis

1

ENGR 304

Mechanics of Fluids

3

ENGR 308

Computer Methods in Engineering

3

ENGR 364

Materials and Manufacturing Processes

3

Engineering Elective

3

G.E. Elective

3

Total

16

Seventh Semester

ENGR 464

Mechanical Design

3

ENGR 467

Heat Transfer

3

ENGR 696

Engineering Design Project I

1

Units selected from the following, depending on area of
emphasis

3

ENGR 447

Automatic Control Systems

ENGR 410

Process Instrumentation and Control

Free Elective

3

Engineering Electives

2

Total

15

Eighth Semester

ENGR 463

Thermal Power Systems

3

ENGR 697

Engineering Design Project II

2

Engineering Elective

3

Technical Elective

3

G.E. Electives

6

Total

17

Upper Division Electives

Choice of upper division electives must present a clearly identifiable educational
objective and ensure that the program requirements in engineering science and design are
met by all students. Distribution of credit units among engineering science and design is
given in the Advising Guide . A study plan of intended upper division electives must be
approved by the student's adviser and the program head for Mechanical Engineering
prior to the seventh semester of the engineering program.

A total of eleven units from the following list of courses is required, subject to the
minimum number of units specified for each group.

Engineering Electives (8 units)

ENGR 306

Electromechanical Systems

ENGR 410

Instrumentation and Process Control

ENGR 411

Instrumentation and Process Control Laboratory (1)

ENGR 415

Robotics

ENGR 416

Robotics Laboratory (1)

ENGR 428

Applied Stress Analysis

ENGR 432

Finite Element Methods

ENGR 446

Digital Control Systems

ENGR 447

Control Theory

ENGR 461

Mechanical and Structural Vibrations

ENGR 466

Gas Dynamics and Boundary Layer Flow

ENGR 468

Applied Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics

ENGR 698

Engineering Seminar (1-3)

ENGR 699

Special Study in Engineering (1-3)

Technical Electives (3 units)

MATH 341

Probability Theory

MATH 342

Mathematical Statistics

ENGR 610

Engineering Cost Analysis

BA 601

Applications of Operations Research

MINOR IN ENGINEERING

Students intending to qualify for this minor must meet with the director of the School
of Engineering to plan a projected program and complete the Engineering Minor Approval
form. When this form is completed and approved by the director, it will serve as an
agreement between the student and the School of Engineering which assures qualification
for the minor upon completion of the courses designated on the form. Revision of the form
requires the approval of the director.

Prerequisite knowledge requires completion of MATH 223, CHEM 111, and PHYS 240/242 or
acceptable equivalents prior to commencing this minor. The minor may be satisfied by a
minimum of 21 units distributed as follows.

Core Courses

Units

Units chosen on advisement

12-15

ENGR 102

Statics

ENGR 201

Dynamics

ENGR 205

Electronic Networks

ENGR 304

Fluid Mechanics

ENGR 305

Systems Analysis

ENGR 306

Electromechanical Systems

ENGR 308

Computer Methods in Engineering

ENGR 309

Mechanics of Solids

Electives
Units chosen from the 400-level series of Engineering courses

6-9

Total

21

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING

Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, or a closely related
discipline, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in upper division major classes, in addition to
meeting general university requirements for graduate standing. The School of Engineering
also requires the GRE test and two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the
student's previous academic work or professional accomplishments.

Advancement to Candidacy

The applicant is advanced to candidacy when the Graduate Approved Program (GAP) has
been signed and approved by the Dean of the Graduate Division.

Written English Proficiency Requirements

Level One: is satisfied by passing either the Graduate Essay Test
(GET) which is administered by the university Testing Center or an approved English
writing course. Level Two: is satisfied by the completion of a written
thesis (ENGR 898).

Curriculum

The program is based on 30 semester units. It includes nine units of required courses,
six units for individual research and thesis, and a minimum of fifteen units of electives.
Among the electives, no more than six units are to be taken from
areas other than engineering, and they must be consistent with the overall career
objectives of the student as provided in the program of study. At least 21 units must be
earned in graduate level courses.

Required Courses

Units

ENGR 800

Engineering Communications

3

ENGR 801

Engineering Management

3

ENGR 803

Applied Probability and Statistics for Engineers

3

ENGR 897

Research

3

ENGR 898

Thesis [thesis work may not be started until completion of at least twelve
units of graduate work]

3

Engineering Electives

Units selected on advisement from the following

9-15

ENGR 830

Finite Element Methods in Structural and Continuum Mechanics

ENGR 833

Principles of Earthquake Engineering

ENGR 834

Engineering Aspects of Environmental Pollution

ENGR 835

Advanced Steel Structures

ENGR 836

Structural Design for Earthquakes

ENGR 837

Soil Properties and Advanced Foundation Design

ENGR 839

Water Pollution Control Engineering

ENGR 845

Motion Control Technology

ENGR 846

Harmonic Issues in Power Electronic Systems

ENGR 847

Switching Mode Power Supply Design

ENGR 851

Advanced Microprocessor Architecture

ENGR 852

Advanced Topics in Digital Design

ENGR 853

Advanced Topics in Computer Communications and Networks

ENGR 860

Advanced Engineering Design: The Human Interface

ENGR 862

Deformation and Fracture of Materials

ENGR 865

Mechanism Synthesis and Analysis

ENGR 866

Combustion and Air Pollution

ENGR 890

Graduate Seminar

Non-Engineering Electives
Courses, either graduate or upper division, selected primarily from science, mathematics,
social science, or business, upon approval of the graduate coordinator.

0-6

Minimum total

30

NOTE: Engineering electives are number-coded as follows: 820-839 are
civil, 840-859 are electrical, and 860-879 are mechanical engineering.